The Tiger Football team is nearly through week one of fall training camp and they are continuing to battle the heat and humidity each day. A quick rain shower altered the schedule for the second straight day as lightning in the area forced the Tigers to move indoors for the first part of practice.

Changing shoes quickly was key today as the team went from outdoor cleats in preparation for starting practice around 2:30 p.m., and then switched to workout shoes for stretching and about 30 minutes of work in the indoor turf room. Once the rain and lightning was out of the area, the Tigers changed back to cleats and battled the rising humidity and heat for another hour and 45 minutes or so that included breaks for Gatorade, water and fruit. Tents with cooling fans as well as large tubs of iced down towels are aiding in keeping the players cool.

"We can't allow the elements to dictate the circumstances or our play," explained Coach Larry Porter when asked about the rain being a setback today. "We have to learn to play through that. That is just part of us growing as a team. We are going to stay focused on the things that will allow us to progress."

Porter also explained that he feels the team has made some growth in areas, but that he is anxious to get players back out on the field. He said that there are about eight players out with various injuries or heat-related issues. "In order for us to grow, we need continuity and rhythm, but we don't have that right now because we have too many guys out," said Porter.

The squad was in full pads today for the first time during fall camp.

"The physical aspect certainly raises once you put pads on," said Porter. "Also, just the excitement of having full pads on increases, but the truth of the matter is that if we have shoulder pads and helmets on, we should have the same type of intensity."

The Tigers will have their first two-a-day session on Saturday. Porter said that he will plan on working with the run in the morning and then moving to a more pass-oriented practice in the evening.

"Next week is the week that we have to make our team," said Porter. "It is very situational from Monday through Saturday. We need to focus on those situations that will allow us to grow so we can put it together like a true football team on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams."